Fire-protection system.



M. SAKOGAWA.-

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM.

APPLICATION, FILED AUG.29. I916.

vl fifi lmw Patented. Apr. 9; 1918.

QFKQIIIIIIIIIIII f INVENTOR Masunosz/ke Sakogawa M x 4 Q( (nab 1 C I ATTORNEY 'THT MASUNOSUKE SAKOGAWA, OFOAKLAND, CALIFORNIA.

FIRE-PROTECTION SYSTEM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 9, 1918.

gpplieation filed August 29, 1916. Serial No. 117,432.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, MASUNOSUKE SAKoe- AWA, a citizen of the United States, residing at Oakland, in the county of Alameda and State of California, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Fire-Protection Systems, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in protective systems against the danger of fire, and has as its object the provision of a simple, efficient and inexpensive sprinkler system.

My invention contemplates the use of sprinkler heads which are normally open and attached to a dry pipe, the water being admitted to this pipe when fire reaches a point. supplied by a given portion of the sprinkler system.

The principal object of my invention is to provide an improved device by which the valve supplying the pipe leading to the sprinkler heads is opened, the valve being opened by gravity, the opening means being released by an inexpensive and effective form of fuse device.

With these and other objects in View, the invention consists in the novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts herein illustrated and more specifically pointed out in the appended claim.

Reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this speci' fication,

Figure 1 is a view in plan of several rooms showing the installation of the sprinkler system therein and the location of the valves controlling the supply pipes of each room.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged view in elevation of the valve-which admits water to the supply pipes of the sprinkler system showing the fuse by which this valve is normally held in its closed position.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged view in cross section through the controlling valve.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of a longitudinal section through the fuse showing the manner in which the same is constructed.

Fig. 5 is a view in section through one of the sprinkler heads.

Referring to the corresponding parts in the several views by the same numerals of reference, 1 denotes the water supply pipe in which pressure is maintained in any suitable manner. 2 denotes branch pipes leading to the sprinkler heads 3, these branch pipes being normally out off from the water supply by the valve 4. This valve, which is illustrated in detail in Fig. 3 is of the. plug type in which a quarter revolution of the plug 5 will open the passage-way through the plug. On the outside the plug is provided with a square pin 6 on which is held the lever arm 7. On the outer end of this arm is an adjustable weight 8of sufficient size to rotate the taper plug 5 when the weight is released. This weight is normally held in its raised position by means of a fuse denoted in general by 10 and consisting of a tube 11, which is filled with an explosive powder 12 mixed with a poisonous material 16 to prevent attacks by vermin. The lower end of 11 is attached to a hook 28 in the weight 8, the upper end is surrounded by a cartridge 13 consisting of spirally rolled layers of paper or other easily combustible material 14. Between the various layers of paper is also placed poisonous material 16 for the same purpose as that mixed with the explosive. The tube within the cartridge, communicates by holes 17 or otherwise with the material of the cartridge and the latter is provided with holding means as the loop of wire 18 by which it may be suspended from a suitable support. The spray heads 3 which are inserted along the branch pipes 21 are open at all times, thereby eliminating the use of fuses from the individual heads.

In use the system is connected up with a valve 4 between the means of main supply pipe 1 and each section of the sprinkler system, the valve being normally closed and the arms held in their raised position by means of the fuse devices 10. When fire reaches one of these devices, material 14: burns at a comparatively low temperature, allowing the flame to reach the explosive matter 12 in the tubular member 11. The explosion of this matter bursts the container 11, thereby allowing the weight to fall downwardly rotating the plug 5 and placing the branch pipes governed by this valve into communication with the supply pipes 1.

It will thus be apparent that I have provided a simple and efiective system for protection against fire. This system will not cause damage due to leakage of sprinkler heads or the accidental displacing of the same. Sometimes these heads do not operate even when the fuse properly melts, but with my device a heavy weight is employed and the valve being nicely fitted there is little chance of the same sticking at the critical moment. The use of an explosive to sever the supporting member also provides posi- 5 tive means for effectively releasing the Weight when fire reaches the device.

\Vhile I have shown the preferred e'mbodiment of my invention, it may be understood that changes may be made in minor details 10 and features of design Within the scope of the claim Without departing from the essential features of the invention.

What I claim as new and Wish to cover by Letters Patent is: I

The combination with a self-opening 15 valve, a fuse holding said valve closed, said fuse comprising a tubular portion filled With an explosive compound, one end of said tube being perforated, and a combustible cartridge surrounding the perforated end of said tubular portion. 7

In testimony whereof I ailix my signature.

MASUNOSUKE SAKOGAWA.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

' Washington, D. C. 

